Thesis
Bovine viral diarrhea virus: evaluation of persistent infections, acute transmission, and vaccination protection in alpacas
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100378
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to characterize bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 1b infection in alpacas to determine the effects of persistent infection (PI), acute transient disease, and vaccine efficacy. The first specific aim was designed to follow three PI alpacas from identification of the BVDV infection through the end of life. Antemortem and postmortem testing identified viral shedding patterns and organs affected by virus. Results indicated variability in antigen location between alpacas; however, viremia and viral shedding was consistent in all three PI alpacas until death. Specific aim two characterized BVDV transmission and acute infection in previously unexposed alpacas. The study involved two groups of alpacas, one experimentally inoculated with BVDV, and the second housed with PI alpacas to facilitate direct, natural transmission. Clinical signs in the previously unexposed alpacas were mild, although alterations in blood cell parameters indicated immunosuppression similar to that seen in bovidae infected with BVDV. The third specific aim evaluated the efficacy of a commercial, modified-live, BVDV vaccine in alpacas. Five previously unexposed alpacas were vaccinated and their serologic antibody response was documented. The five vaccinated and two unvaccinated controls were challenged by nasal and ocular inoculation with BVDV Type 1b obtained from a PI alpaca. Vaccinated alpacas experienced no adverse side effects and failed to become viremic whereas the unvaccinated control alpacas developed viremia and experienced mild signs of acute BVDV infections. The vaccine appeared efficacious for use in nonpregnant alpacas.
Metrics
4 File views/ downloads
47 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Bovine viral diarrhea virus
- Creators
- Stacey Renee Byers
- Contributors
- George M. Barrington (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Medical Education and Clinical Science, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900524866601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis